…tells Nigerians not to panic
NOSA EGHAGHA
The Federal Government has said that it is irresponsible for anyone to raise the false terror alert in the country to cause unnecessary apprehension amongst Nigerians.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd.), stated this while briefing State House Correspondents after an emergency National Security Council meeting convened by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He criticised the United States Government for issuing advisory to its personnel in Nigeria, which he said created unnecessary fear and apprehension among Nigerians.
He said the terror alert was needless as the hype and the sense of insecurity it created were unfounded, urging Nigerians and other residents to go about their businesses without any sense of apprehension.
While noting that the security agencies had already quelled the situation even before it started, the NSA said that Nigerian security and intelligence agencies are not resting on their oars to ensure that all Nigerians and every part of the country remains safe.
“From the time this alarm story came out until now, about a week to ten days, we can see that so far, the situation has been brought under control.
“The issue of Nigerians being made to panic is unnecessary, the situation in various areas, the federal capital territory, the situation has been brought under control and we are trying as much as possible to work with our neighbours and within the domestic situation to work with our foreign partners in a responsible way without giving the impression that Nigeria is stetting on thin ice to explored.
“That has come to dispel any illusion about any sense of heightened insecurity. It is false, it is irresponsible for anybody to give that signal. We are working with our foreign partners in a responsible way and Nigerians should go back to their normal daily undertakings without being put in a situation of fear.”
Attendees of the emergency National Security Council meeting included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
Others were the Minister of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd); the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, led the service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao to the meeting; and the Chief of Defense Intelligence, Major-General Samuel Adebayo, were also in attendance.
The US embassy in Abuja had stated in its security advisory: “There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja. Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.
“The US embassy will offer reduced services until further notice. The embassy advised US citizens to avoid all non-essential travels or movements and crowded places. It advised Americans to review their personal security plans and keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency.
“In the usual traditional alignment, the British High Commission, in a short statement, announced that: “On Monday 24 October, British High Commission Abuja (BHC) will be open for Business Critical Staff only. All colleagues wishing to travel to BHC should seek authorisation from Line Manager/ Block Leads, and in advance of travel”.
Buhari had over the weekend given Nigerians an assurance that there was no cause for alarm and Nigerians should be calm while observing strict vigilance.
The latest security advisory from the US and UK comes few months before the nation’s general election.
Shortly after the meeting which lasted only few hours, Buhari left for Imo state to attend a state function.
Beyond this, there has been palpable fears and apprehension in the nation’s capital Abuja, a development that prompted some public places like shopping malls and gardens to shut down operations.
“From the time this alarm story came out until now, about a week to ten days, we can see that so far, the situation has been brought under control.
“The issue of Nigerians being made to panic is unnecessary, the situation in various areas, the federal capital territory, the situation has been brought under control and we are trying as much as possible to work with our neighbours and within the domestic situation to work with our foreign partners in a responsible way without giving the impression that Nigeria is stetting on thin ice to explored.
“That has come to dispel any illusion about any sense of heightened insecurity. It is false, it is irresponsible for anybody to give that signal. We are working with our foreign partners in a responsible way and Nigerians should go back to their normal daily undertakings without being put in a situation of fear,” Monguno stated while briefing the media.
